Apparatus for covering balls



May 30, 1950 Filed Jan. 30, 1947 R. E. ROBERTS APPARATUS FOR COVERING BALLS 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. Faaurfi/faamr:

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R. E. ROBERTS 2,509,528

APPARATUS FOR COVERING BALLS 6 Shee'ts-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. P001512 rt". Palmer:

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May 30, 1950 R. E. ROBERT$ 2,509,523

APPARATUS FOR COVERING BALLS Filed Jan. 30, 1947 6 Sheets-sheaf. 4

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6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Jan. 50, 1947 a m wmmw ma .4 mrm m Patented May 30, 1950- umrso sures PATENT OFFICE.

APPARATUS FOR COVERING BALLS Robert Eldon Roberts, Ridgeiield, Conn. Application January 30, 1947, Serial No. 725,214

38 Claims. 1

This invention relates to an improved apparatus for applying covers to balls and the like, and more particularly to an improved apparatus for applying the usual pair of figure-eight shaped cover members to a tennis ball. These, therefore, are the general objects of the present invention.

One of the problems in covering tennis balls is that of positioning a pair of tacky cement or adhesive-coated cover members accurately upon a rubber ball or center so that the cemented covers do not touch each other before the bodies of the covers are Joined adhesively to the ball and, without wrinkling or stretching the cover member. When the covers are cut so that their combined area is less than the surface area of the ball, it is important that the covers be applied so that the open space or cement seam between the cover members is of the same width throughout its entire length.

Generally, in the past, the combined area of the cover members has been greater than the surface area of the ball to which they are to be applied. This is because the cover members are usually cut with a predetermined fullness to allow for shrinkage when they are subsequently vulcanized to the ball. Under such condition the diiliculties encountered in attaching the covers to the ball are greatly increased, and there is danger of entrapping air in various areas under the cover. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for overcoming the problems above mentioned and for efliciently and economically applying the cover members snugly to the ball.

Due to the difficulties encountered in covering tennis balls, the covers generally have been applied at least partially, to the ball by a manual operation. Therefore, a further object of this invention is to provide a mechanical means which will automatically apply the cover members to a ball, so that they will be accurately positioned relative to each other andso that they will not touch each other before the body and'edges of the respective cover members have been rolled down and adhesively joined to the surface of the ball.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a preferred form of apparatus for mechanically aflixing the covers to the balls. The essential features of the invention will be summarized in the claims.

In the drawings; Fig. l is a plan view of an improved apparatus which is especially adapted to apply a pair of cover members to a ball in accord with my improved method; Figs. 2, 3 and 4, are diagrammatic illustrations of successive steps in my improved method 01' covering tennis balls, Fig. 2 illustrating the application of the first cover member, Fig. 3 illustrating the application of the second cover member, and Fig. 4 illustrating a final operation; Fig. 5 is a vertical section through the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 1, the plane of the section being indicated by the offset line 5-5 on such figure; Figs. 6, 7 and 8 are fragmentary vertical sections through the apparatus of Fig. 1, the planes of the sections being indicated by the correspondingly numbered lines on Fig. 1; Fig. .9 is a detail illustrating a hold-down or clamping mechanism for retaining the balls in position on the apparatus; Figs. 10 to 14 inclusive are diagrams illustrating the method of applying the covers to the balls, Figs. 12 and 14 being end views of Figs. 11 and'13 respectively; Fig. 15 is a die.- grammatic illustration of a modified form of the method; Figs. 16 and 17 together comprise an electrical diagram illustrating the manner of controlling the timing of the operation of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1.

My improved method of covering tennis balls or the like contemplates placing a pair of cover members on a platen in such positions thata ball placed on the platen may be rolled across: one of the covers. Either the ball, or the covers, or both,

may be coated with a tacky cement or adhesive,

so that the rolling of the ball across a cover member will cause the cover to adhere to the ball.

The ball may be pressed into contact with the cover during the rolling action with sufiicient force to distort the ball and cause it to adhere to the cover throughout the entire width of the cover, or the platen may be provided with an elongated cover receiving cavity having a cross section curvedto fit the ball in which case the ball need not be distorted during the rolling action, or the cavity may be of less curvature than the ball and the ball distorted to compensate for the difierence of such curvatures.

Preferably the cover members and ball are placed on the platen so that the ball may be rolled across one cover member along its longest axis, until such cover member has been fully attached to the ball, and the rolling movement continued, along such axis extended, until the ball reaches a point either on the axis of the other cover or a point in alignment with the axis of the other cover. When, as in a tennis ball, the two cover members extend at right angles to each other. the covers are placed on the platen at right angles to each other, as for instance, in a T or L-shaped formation with one cover forming the vertical leg and the other cover forming the cross or base member of the formation.

In covering a tennis ball by using a T formation of covers the ball may be rolled across one cover until afpoint on the ball midway between the ends of the cover, so applied, reaches a point on the longitudinal center line of the second cover midway between the ends thereof, whereupon the movement of the ball is stopped and the ends of the second cover wrapped about the ball. Obviously this procedure may be reversed, that is, the ball may be positioned on the midpoint of the cover forming the cross of the T and such cover wrapped about the ball, and then the ball may be rolled across the cover forming the leg of the T to pick up and apply the second cover.

Whenatennisballistobecoveredbyusing.

axis of the cover member C, until it reach a position indicated by the character G, where the axis extended of the cover 0 intersects the mid-point of the axis of the cover D which forms the cross of the T. During the rolling action, above described, the ball is held in contact with the cover D with sufllcient pressure to cause the cover to be wrapped securely around the ball.

If desired the platen E may have a concavity F simulating the curvature of the ball so that the cover member will be securely attached to the ball by the rolling action of the ball thereacross. The pressure, with which the ball is held in contact with the cover membenis such as will cause the ball to contact the cover throughout its entire width, and hence depends upon the difference between the curvature of the ball and the curvature of theplaten portion upon which the cover rests.

After the ball has reached the position G on the cover D, the ball is flrmly thrust against that cover and held in such position while a pair of rollers H roll the ends of the cover member D into contact with the ball. Thereafter, the ball is surrounded by an annulus or rigid band J (Fig.

4), the internal surface of which substantially cover member, such cover will be properly positioned on the ball.

The method of application above described well adapted to efficient operation where the combined areas of the cover members is less than the total surface area of the ball to be covered. Where, however, the cover members are cut full, to allow for shrinkage during a vulcanizing operation, an additional operation is performed simultaneously with the application of the cover members so as to avoid contact between the cover members during their application to the ball.

The additional operation referred to comprises distorting the ball by applying pressure to' the ball in diametrically opposed regions atright angles to the plane of the rolling or wrapping action. Sumcient pressure is applied to the ball to cause an enlargement of the surface area of at least that portion of the ball to which a cover member is to be attached. This enlargement is such that the ball area to be covered is at least as great as the area of the cover member to be applied and preferably greater so that when the pressure is released the cover member will be compacted to an area not greater than the area the cover member will have when shrunk 1 by the subsequent vulcanization process.

My improved method of covering tennis balls I and the like, as above generally outlined, is diagrammatically illustrated in Figs. 2, 3, 4 and 10 to 14 inclusive. 'As there shown it will be noted that a pair of cover members 0 and D are placed 'ing the leg of the T and, at the end thereof.

Either the ball B, or the upper surfaces of the cover members, or both, may be coated with a tacky coating of cement or adhesive prior to being placed in position on the platen E.

forms a spherical segment having a diameter sufllciently large to enable the annulus to be dropped around the ball without contacting the covers.

Thereafter the ball is expanded by pressure applied to the polar regions, as indicated in Fig. 4, to force the covers into contact with the internal surface of the ring J. This ring crosses the seams of the ball, as indicated in Fig. 4, and removes any wrinkles that might exist in the cover as a result voi the previous operations. The covers are then vulcanized to the ball in the usual manner to set the cement, which is of a vulcanizable material.

The second cover memberD may be wrapped about the ball, as above described, or the ball may be rolled across this cover member in a manner similar to that used for the application of the cover member C. In the latter instance the cover members C and D are placed inan L-shaped formation on the table, as indicated in Fig. 15, and the ball is placed in alignment with, I and along the axis of} the cover C and rol1ed across such cover member to a position where a point on the uncovered portion of the ball, midway between the ends of the cover C intersects the axis of the cover D whe eupon the ball may be rolled along the axis of t e. latter cover D which lies at right angles to the axis of the cover C This results in picking up the cover D and attaching it tothe ball in the same manner as heretofore described in connection with the cover C.

However, I regard it as preferable to place'the covers in the T formation, shown in Fig. 10, and wrap the second cover about the ball, as this reduces the size of the platens when the operations are mechanically performed. Figs. 1, and 5 to 9 inclusive, illustrate an improved apparatus for covering tennis balls and the like and is particularly well adapted for covering balls by my improved method. This apparatus comprises a frame Ill having a vertically extending, centrally located shaft H, which is rotatably supported in It. Secured to the upper end of the shaft II, is a spider formation it having six arms l5, each of which carries a platen E hereinafter to be more fully described.

The ball B is now rolled along the longitudinal The spider I4 is power driven. As shown in Pig.

. 8 v 5, thereisprovidedaoomblnedmotorandgear reduction unit I! having its power-shaft. ll drivingly connected by beveled gearing I! with the shaft II. The motor unit is controlled as hereinaiter more fully described.

Each platen member E is secured to a support which is rotatable about a vertically extending spindle 2| carried by a slide block 22. Each block 22 is slidably mounted in a radially extending groove 0r slot 23 formed in its respective spider arm l5. Springs 24 act against respective blocks 22 and continuously urge them outward toward the periphery of the spider. The radial movement of each platen E is guided by adovetail way formation 25 (Fig. 8) formed on a member 28 which is secured to the spider.

The platens E are, therefore, movable radially outward from the axis of the spider i4, and-are rotatable about a vertical axis which is parallel with the axis of the spider.

The movement of each platen member E is controlled by a pair of spaced rollers 21 which are mounted on the underside of the respective platen E. As indicated in Figs. 1 and 5, these rollers are arranged to coact with a cam rail 28 carried by the frame ill. Thus the platens are controlled to move in an arcuate path, throughout a portion of their travel around the axis of the spider i4, and in a straight line path during other portions of their travel.

The spider i4 is intermittently driven, as hereinaiter more fully described, so that each one of the platen members comes successively to a stop at each of the seven stations positioned about the periphery of the spider I4. Six of these stations are indicated in full lines in Fig. 1 and are desig nated by reference characters S S, S, S, S and S while an intermediate station between stations S and S is indicated by the character S".

The spider l4 may be accurately stopped in each one of the positions above-mentioned by a series of spring-pressed latch members 23 carried by the frame l0 and arranged to engage indexing recesses 30' formed in a ring 3|, which is secured to, or formed integral with, the arms of the spider I4. The latches 29 also serve to initiate the operation of various electrical circuits which control the machine, as will be hereinafter more fully described in connection with the electrical diagram of Figs. 16 and 17.

The platens E are each provided with a pair of depressions 32 and 33 each of which has substantially the same outline as the cover member C or D. These depressions extend at right angles to each other in a T-shaped formation, with the axis extended of the depression 32 intersecting the mid-point of the axis of the depression 33, so that the cover members C and D substantially abut each other. At the end of the depression 32, at the base of the T a small depression 34 is provided. The depression 34 is aligned with the axis of the depression 32, and is arranged to receive the ball B.

Whenever a, platen E comes to rest at the station S (Fig. 1), the operator places a cover member C in the depression 32, a second cover member D in the depression 33, and a ball B, to be covered, in the depression 34. The depression 32 may be concave in cross section, the degree of concavity being equal to, or loss than the degree of curvature of the ball to be covered, the greater the degree of this concavity the less the pressure required to retain the ball in contact with the cover throughout its entire width.

When the cover members and ball have been positioned on the time a. at the station s shown in Fig. 1, the ball is securely clamped in position in the depression 84 by a clamp "A. This clamping is best shown in Figs. 1, 6 and 9. Upon inspection of these figures it will be noted that the clamp is arranged to swing from a disengaging position, shown by the full lines in Fig. 1 and dotted lines in Fig. 6, to a ball-engaging position, shown by the dotted lines in Fig. 1 and. full lines in Fig. 6.

Each clamp 35 comprises an arm 36 which is secured to a rod 31 which is rotatably and reciprocably mounted in a bearing 38 carried by its respective platen E. The shaft" carries a pin 3! which rides in a cam slot 40 formed in the bearing so that when the rod 31 is raised or lowered, to bring the clamp into or out of vertical contact with the ball, it is also swung about the axis of the rod 31 to and from a position above the ball.

The clamps 35 are each operated by an independent hydraulic mechanism, such as a cylinder 4| secured to the underside of the platen E and containing the usual piston 42 to which the rod 31 is secured. Conduits 43 and 44 convey the operating fluid to the cylinder 4| and are connected by flexible conduits with the spider, which, in turn, is connected by the usual flexible joint with an external source of fluid power.

The flow of fluid through the conduits 43 and 44 is controlled by a valve mechanism which will hereinafter be described in connection with the electrical diagrams of Figs. 16 and 17. Sufllce it here to say that, when a ball has been positioned in the depression 34 of the platen E which is at station the right hand clamp 35 of such platen will swing from the full line position to the dotted line position (Fig. 1).

After the ball has been clamped to the platen E at station S (Fig. 1), the spider is rotated to advance such platen to station S, and as the platen is advanced, it is swung about its pivot 2|, until it is parallel with a straight portion 45 on the cam rail 28, and until the ball B, which rests' in the depression 34 on the platen, is directly beneath a gripping mechanism 50, whereupon the movement ofthe spider I4 is stopped and the clamp 35 is swung out of contact with the ball.

The mechanism grips the ball in regions other than those to be covered by the cover member C. As illustrated, the ball is gripped and compressed along a horizontal axis which extends atright angles to the longitudinal axis of the cover member C. The ball is gripped with sufllcient force to distend or expand that area thereof to be covered by the cover member C an amount sufficient. to cause such area to equal at least the area of the cover member C.

The mechanical distension or expansion of the ball also forces the ball downward against the cover C, so that when the platen E is moved in a straight line parallel with the axis of the cover member C, along the portion 45 of the cam rail 28, from the position S to the dotted line position S", the ball will roll across the cover, and the cover will adhere to the adhesive-coated ball, as indicated in Fig. 2.

The gripping mechanism iii which holds and expands during its rolling movement is best illustrated in Figs. 1 and 5. As there shown, the mechanism comprises a pair of bell cranks 46, pivoted asat 41 between a pair of bracket members 48 carried by an upstanding frame member 43 in the machine. The lower extremity of each of the bell cranks 46 is provided with a ball gripping member or dished disc 5| which is carried 7 by a spindle 52. Each spindle is Journaled in the arm of its respective bell crank soas to permit the ball to rotate freely as it is moved across the cover member C.

The bell cranks 46 are moved from the dotted line, or idle position shown in Fig. 5, to the full line, or active position, by a hydraulic mechanism. This mechanism comprises a cylinder 52 secured to the upper end of the frame member 49, and having its axis positioned in alignment with the ball B. The cylinder 52 which rests on the platen E in position at station S is provided with a piston 53 which is connected by a piston rod 54 to one end of each of a pair of links 55. The other ends of these links are pivotally connected as at 56 to respective bell cranks 8.

Suitable fluid connections 51 and 58 interconnect opposite ends of the cylinder 52 with a reversing valve mechanism diagrammatically indicated in Fig. 16 at 59. This valve controls the gripping movement of the mechanism 50, and in turn is controlled by an electric circuit as will hereinafter be more fully described. Suflice it, at this time, to say that the arrangement is such that when a platen E reaches the position S the clamp 35 is withdrawn from engagement with the ball B and the mechanism 50 is operated to clamp the ball firmly and distend or expand it as heretofore described.

After the ball B has been gripped by the mechanism 50, the spider I4 is rotated to slide the platen E from the position S to the dotted line position S of Fig. 1. During this movement of the platen, the ball B is held by the rotatable cups of the gripping mechanism 50, so that a rolling action takes place between the ball and the cover member C, thus applying such cover memberto the ball.

When a platen E reaches the position S", the spider is again stopped and the mechanism 50 is actuated to move the gripping members from the full line position to the dotted line position (Fig. 5), thus freeing the ball from the gripping mechanism 50, whereupon a clamp 35B carried by such platen is actuated to swing into engagement with the ball and retain it in position on top of the cover member D, as indicated by the dotted lin in Fig. 5. Thereupon the spider I4 is operated to swing the platen E from the station S" to the station S The station S is an idle station, and when in this position the ball has had the cover C applied thereto and is held on the center of the cover member D by the clamp 35B so that the cover member D is accurately aligned with the uncovered portion of the ball. The platen E remains at station S until the operations being performed at th other stations have been completed after which the platen is advanced from the station S to the station 8*.

The second cover member D is applied to the ball while it is at station S. The mechanism for performing this operation is best shown in Figs. 1, 6 and 7. This mechanism is generally indicated at 60 and is similar to that heretofore described in connection with the gripping mechanism 50. The mechanism 60 is provided with a pair of bell cranks 6| which are pivoted as at 62 to bracket formation 63. Rigidly fixed to the lower ends of each bell crank 6| is a ball-gripping member 64. These members, unlike those of the mechanism 50, ar 'rigidly secured to their bell cranks, so as to prevent any rotative movement of the ball while gripped thereby.

The gripping mechanism '60 is actuated by a hydraulic cylinder which is supported by a frame member 58, in alignment with the ball B which rests on the platen E which is at station 8 The cylinder 65 is provided with a piston 81 which is connected to a piston rod 88, the lower end of which is pivotally connected to one end of each of a pair of links 58. The other ends of these links are pivotally connected, as at 10, to their respeetive bell cranks 6L When pressure is applied to the upper end of the cylinder, the grippers 64 are moved into engagement with the ball with sufilcient pressure to expand or distend those areas of the ball to which the cover member D is to be applied, and at the same time retain the ball on the platen E and in engagement with such cover member.

After the ball has been firmly gripped and expanded by the mechanism 80, the cover member D is wrapped about the ball. To this end the platen E is provided with a pair of slotted openings H beneath the cover member D and through which a pair of concave rollers H pass. The rollers H are carried on a pair of spaced arms 12 which are pivoted as at I3 to across arm 14 carried by a piston rod 15 of a hydraulic cylinder 80. The rollers H are. resiliently urged toward each other by a pair of springs 16 which are interposed between the lower end of the levers I2 and the rod 15 so that as the rollers rise they will firmly press the cover D against the ball. Fluid is admitted to the cylinder '80 through suitable conduits 8| and 82 to control the operation of raising and lowering the rollers 96 as desired.

Following the wrapping of the cover D about the ball by the upward movement of the rollers H, the rollers are lowered to the position shown in Fig. '7, and the gripping mechanism 60 is actuated to release the ball, whereupon a ball clamp 35B is actuated to clamp the ball in position on the platen E. After the ball has been clamped on the platen, the spider I4 is actuated to move the platen E from station S to station S At station S the ball B is expended in an equatorial mold which crosses the seam lines N to insure the removal of any wrinkles and to insure the firm attachment of the edges of the cover to the ball. This is accomplished by moving an ironing ring 83 (Fig. 4) down about an equatorial zone of the ball, thus expanding the ball into the ironing ring. The inner sperical seat of the ring 83 is of such size that the ring may pass freely over the ball before the ball is expanded, by the action of the plunger 84.

Both the plunger and the ring are thereupon withdrawn, freeing the ball for further movement.

In the operation just outlined, when the platen E reaches the station S the ball clamp 35B of that platen is actuated to release the ball, whereupon a hydraulic mechanism is energized to move the ironing ring 83 into position. This mecha-. nism is best shown in Figs. 1, 4 and 8. As there shown, a cylinder 85 is attached to the upper end of a frame member 86, and has its piston rod 81 connected to a cross arm 88 to which the ironing ring 83 is secured by suitable spacing bolts 89. The plunger 84 is attached to the piston 81 and extends below the cross arm 88 so as to engage the ball shortly before the ironing ring is completely seated.

If desired, the ironing ring 83 may be provided with suitable downwardly extending lugs (not shown) to engage the platen E and a spring (not shown) interposed between the cross arm 88 and the piston rod 81 so that the ironing ring will 9- be completely seated before the lower end of the rod or the plunger 22 coacts with the ball to expand it.

After the ball has been acted upon by the ironing ring 02, the ring is raised to the position shown in Fig. 8, and the clamp 25B again moved into position to retain the ball on the platen E, whereupon the platen is advanced to station 8.

The ball is ejected from the platens E at station S. After each platen E comes to rest at this station the clamp "13 is swung to its idle position, freeing the ball, whereupon the ball is removed from the platen. The ball may be re- 1 moved by any suitable mechanical means, such as, for instance, a wheel atically illustrated in Fig. 17 at 00. This wheel is provided with a series of radially extending arms 9| which engage the ball as the wheel is rotated about its axis 92. The wheel is mounted on a suitable frame member (not shown) so that it is positioned above the path of the platens at station 8. The wheel is actuated in timed relation with the progress of the platens, aswill become apparent from the electrical diagram of Figs. 16 and 1'7, and the description thereof.

The various mechanisms which operate to aillx the covers to the ball are actuated in synchronism with each other and are all controlled by an electrical circuit diagrammatically shown in Figs. 16 and 1'7. These figures illustrate the various mechanisms in the positions they have at the instant of the stopping of the platens E. Fig. l likewise illustrates the mechanisms in such position.

Referring to the diagram, which comprises the two Figs. 16 and 17, I have indicated the various stations of the platens E by the characters S S, S", S, S, S, S, respectively. The mechanism and circuits within the dotted lines representing station S and carried by each platen, although only such elements are illustrated within the dotted lines indicative of the remaining sections as are active when a platen E is at that station.

Referring to Fig. 16, it will be noted each platen E is provided with a pair of indexing recesses 30, associated with each of which is an electric switch I or III. These switches (as well as the other electric switches hereinafter to be referred to, unless otherwise qualified) are of a, type which, when a spring-pressed plunger I 02 thereof is engaged, cause an electrical circuit to be made and immediately broken, the circuit remaining broken as long as. the plunger is depressed and until the plunger is again actuated. As these switches are well known, no specific description of them is deemed necessary.

Also associated with each platen E are five electrical contactors I04, I05, I08, I01, and Ill. These contactors are arranged to engage contacts I09 (Fig. 1) which are carried by a stationary frame member II. These contactors I04 to I00 inclusive, are preferably mounted in a housing II 4 (Fig. 1) secured tothe side of each sprocket arm I5 and hence rotate with the respective platens. Suitable flexible conduits connect the contacts I04 to I08 with the various mechanisms carried by the platens E.

Each platen E is supplied with electric power through its contactor I06, which, when a platen is in position at any of the stations S to S" inclusive, coacts with a stationary contactor III. The contactors III (Figs. 16 and 17) are each connected by a line 6 with a line I" which, in turn, is connected to one side of a power line III by a line H8. The other side I20, of this power line, is grounded to the frame of the machine, as indicated at I20A. Each platen is also rounded to the frame.

The contactor I00 of each platen is connected to the switches I00 and IN by lines HI and I22. The other terminals of the switches I00 and I III are connected by lines I22 with respective solenoids I 25, the other pole of which is grounded as indicated at I21.

The solenoids I25 of each platen E operate respective reversing valves I28 and I29 carried by such platens. The reversing valves act to reverse the flow of fluid to the respective cylinders H, which actuate the clamping mechanisms 25A and B of the platen, with which the reversing valves are associated.

The reversing valves are indicated generally in Figs. 16 and 17 at I28 and I26. These valves are of a type wherein a partial rotation ofa valve member causes a reversal of the flow of fluid to the cylinders H with which they are associated. The valve may be provided with a ratchet wheel, indicated generally at I20 in Figs. 16 and 17. Each ratchet wheel may be operated by a pawl III which, in turn, is actuated by its respective solenoid I25. The result is such that each actuation of a switch I00 or I 0| causes a reversal of the flow of fluid through the valve and thuscontrols the position of the clamps "A and 35B which are connected to the piston rods of the associated cylinders 4 I The solenoids I25 are also arranged to be energized by a circuit external of the platen E upon which they are mounted. For this purpose the contactors I04 and I08 are connected to the respective solenoids I25 by lines I32 and I23 respectively. Thus the clamps may be operated in timed relationship with mechanism carried by other platens, as will be hereinafter more fully described.

The movement of the clamps 35A or 353, either to their active position (indicated at dotted lines in Fig. 16), or their inactive position (indicated in full lines in Fig. 16), controls the operation of other mechanisms as hereinafter to be more fully described. When either clamp 35A. or 353 moves to an inactive position (shown by full lines in Fig. 16) it contacts a switch I34. For convenience two such switches I34 are shown for each platen E, one for each for the clamp 35A and the other for each clamp 353. The switches I34 are connected to the power line I2I of the platen by lines I36, and to the contactor I0'I by lines I" and I39.

It follows from the above-described circuits, that, whenever either of the clamps is raised to its inactive position, a switch I 34 is rendered active to energize the contact I 01. Similarly, the movement of either of the clamps 35A or 353 to its active or clamping position (indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 16) actuates one of a pair of switches I40. The switches I are each connected to the power line I 2I of. the platen by lines I41. The switches I40 are likewise connected by lines I42 with the contactor I05 heretofore described; hence, whenever a clamp is moved to its active position (dotted line position in Fig. 6), the contactor I05 is momentarily energized.

As heretofore mentioned, the spider I4 is rotated by the motor II. This motor is controlled by a rotary switch I45 having alternate segments I46 which are connected with the power line III. when any of these segments I46 are brought into contact with a stationary contactor I41, which is 11 a connected by a line I48 with the motor I1, the motor will be energized. Simultaneously with the application of power to the motor I1, a brake I49, is withdrawn from the motor by solenoid I50. One terminal of the solenoid I50 is connected by lines II with the contactor I41. The motor switch I45 is provided with a ratchet wheel I52 arranged to be actuated by a pawl I53 which, in turn, is actuated by a solenoid I54. The pawls I63, as well as the pawls I3I heretofore mentioned, are automatically returned to their normal positions (shown in Fig. 16) by suitable springs I55.

The movement of the spider I I4 is stopped each time a platen is brought into the positions S or S". At each of these positions a switch I56 is mounted on the frame. These switches are arranged to be engaged by lugs I51 carried by the respective platen E, and when so engaged serve to energize the motor switch solenoid I 54- to move a segment I46 thereof out of contact with the stationary contactor I41, as shown in Fig. 16.

The switches I66 are each connected by a line I58 with the power line I I1, and by lines I59 and I60 with one terminal of the solenoid I54, the other terminal of which is grounded. The mechanism for initiating the movement of the spider II is dependent upon the completion of the operations performed at the various stations and will be hereinafter described.

Assuming the covers 0 and D together with the ball B, have been placed on the platen at station the ball clamped in place, and assuming that such platen is moving toward station S, then the platen will be stopped when it reaches the latter station by actuation of the stopping switch 156 at station S". This switch is contacted by the next succeeding platen E as soon as the advance platen reaches station S A latch 29 carried by the frame at station S, enters an indexing recess 30, associated with the platen at station S, whereupon the switch I 0| of such platen is actuated to cause the clamp 35A to be moved out of contact with the ball B, as heretofore explained.

When the clamp 35A is raised to an inactive position, it will actuate the associated switch I34, thus-momentarily energizing the platen contactor I01. The contactor I01 is in electrical contact with a frame contact II2 which, at station 8, is connected by a line I62 with one terminal of a solenoid I63, the other terminal of which is grounded. The actuation of the solenoid I63, by reason of the raising of the clamp 35A at station S causes the cylinder 52 to lower the clamping mechanism 53 to cause it to grip the ball.

The energization of the solenoid I63 actuates a pawl I64, which coacts with a ratchet I65 of a reversing valve 166. This valve controls the direction of flow of fluid to the cylinder 52 which actuates the ball-gripping mechanism 50 heretoi'ore described. The reversing valve I66 and its associated mechanism is similar to that heretofore mentioned in connection with the cylinders 4| of the platen clamping members, the arrangement being such that the flow of fluid is reversed each time the solenoid I63 is energized.

After the clamping mechanism 50 has been actuated to grip the ball, the platen is moved from the position S to the intermediate position S". The mechanism for initiating the'movement of the spider I4 to advance the platens E will be hereinafter described. However, as a platen is moved from the position S to the position 8", the ball is rolled across the cover C. Thus the. cover is fully applied when the platen reaches 12 station 8'', and the ball is in position on the cover D, as indicated in Fig. '1.

As the platen E approaches the station S", the contactor I51 thereof engages the motor stopping switch I56, which is carried by the frame of the machine at station S". The actuation of this switch I66 operates the motor switch I46 to stop the motor I1. A brake I49 acts on the motor or gear reduction unit to stop immediately the movement of the spider I4. When the platen reaches station S", the indexing plunger 29 associated with that station engages a recess 30 associated with the platen at such station and properly aligns the platen and locks it in position.

As the plunger 29 coacts with the indexing recess at station S", it engages the switch I00 of the platen, thereby causing the solenoid I25 of such platen to actuate its reversing valve I20,

and cause its clamp 353 to move from the inactive position, shown in full lines, to the active position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 16. The movement of the clamp 353 to its active position operates the switch I40 associated therewith, momentarily energizing the contactor I05 of such platen. The contactor I05 coacts with a stationary frame contact IIO which, at station S", is connected by a line I61 with the line I62 of the solenoid I63 which actuates the reversing valve I66.

The actuation of the reversing valve I66 reverses the flow of fluid to the cylinder 52, thus raising the gripping mechanism 50. As the gripping mechanism rises, it coacts with a switch I69 to close it. One terminal of this switch is connected by lines I68 and H9 with the power line H6, and the other terminal is connected by lines I10 and I60 with the solenoid I54 of the motor switch I46. The closing of this switch causes a momentary energization of the solenoid I 54, thereby moving a segment I46 of the switch I46 into engagement with the stationary contactor I41 ofthe motor I1, thus releasing the brake I49 and energizing the motor. The actuation of the switch I45 also causes the withdrawal of the indexing plunger 29.

As shown in Fig. 16, the stationary contactor I41 of the switch '5 is connected by lines HI and I12 with one terminal of a solenoid I13, the other terminal of which is grounded. The energization of this solenoid withdraws the indexing plunger 29, thus freeing the platen for movement.

The platen E is stopped in position at station 3* by the arrival of another platen at the position S as heretofore described. No operation is carried out on the ball at station 8-". The platen merely rests at this station until the operations have been completed at the remaining stations, whereupon the motor is energized, as hereinafter described, to progress the platen to station 8.

When the platen reaches station 8, the cover D is wrapped around the ball. The platen reaches this station with the ball, having the cover C applied thereto, in position on the cover D, which position is that illustrated in Fig. 1 at station 8*. As soon as the platen reaches the station S, the latch 29, carried by the frame at that station, enters the left band (Fig. 16) indexing recess 30 of the platen, and engages the switch I00. The engagement of the switch I00 closes it and causes its associated solenoid I25 to operate a reversing valve I28 and this causes a reversal of flow of fluid in its associated cylthe stationary contactor I88 at station arcane (Fig. 17) thus releasing the clamp from engagement with the ball.

As the clamp :63 at station S moves from its engaging to its disengaging position, it closes the switch I34 which, through the lines I38 and I38, momentarily energizes the platen contactor I81. The contactor I81 coacts with the station my contact II2 which, at station 8*, is connected by lines I16 and I16 with one terminal of a solenoid I11, the other terminal of which is grounded. The solenoid I11 operates a pawl I18 which coacts with ratchet teeth I18 of a reversing valve I88.

The valve I88 is of a type similar to the reversing valves heretofore described, and serves to reverse the flow of fluid to the lnrdraulic cylinder 66 of the gripping mechanism 68. This causes the gripping mechanism 68 to descend and engage the ball, as heretofore described. As the clamping mechanism 68 is lowered into engagement with the ball, it closes a switch .III which is connected to the power line II1 by a line I82, and to one terminal of a solenoid I83 by a line I88.

The solenoid I88 actuates a pawl I88 which coacts with a reversingvalve I86 to reverse the flow of fluid to the cylinder 88 which actuates the rollers H and thereby causes them to wrap the cover D about the ball as heretofore described.

As the piston 81 of the cylinder 88 rises towrap the cover D about the ball, it moves from the full line position, shown in Fig. 17, to the dotted line position therein shown, and engages a switch I86. The switch I86 is connected to the power line II1 by the lines I 81 and I82, and to the solenoid I83 by lines I88 and I84. Thus as soon as the rollers H have risen to their uppermost position and have wrapped the cover D about the ball, the switch I86 causes a momentary energization of the solenoid I83 which reverses the flow of fluid to the cylinder 88, thereby lowering the rollers.

' 1.4 position. I at station 8*, serves to actuate the clamp "A at station 8 to cause it to engage a ,ball which by this time hasbeen placed by the operator on the platen E at that station.

Station 8 is used to control the operation of the clamp 36A at station S because, in the mechanism shown, the operations performed at station 8 are greater in number and take more time than the operations performed at the remaining stations, and because it is desirable to give the operator the advantage of the maximum time interval to position the ball and covers on the platen at station S As shown in Fig. 1'7, the clamp 35B ol the platen E in position at station 3* moves to its .active, or full line position, and thus closes a switch I48 of such platen. This momentarily As the rollers H which wra-p the cover D about the ball are retractedto their normal or inactive position a switch I98 is engaged by the mechanism 64. Theswitch I88 is connected by lines I9I and I82 to the power line H1, and by a line I82 with the solenoid I11 of the reversing valve I88, which controls the clampin mechanism 68. Thus the solenoid I11 is again momentarily energized to cause the flow of fluid to the cylinder 85 to be reversed and the mechanism 88 to be raised from its active position to its inactiv position.

When the gripping mechanism 88 reaches its inactive position, it engages and closes a switch I85. This switch is connected to the power line II1 by lines I86 and I82 and by a line I81 with contactor coacts with contactor I84 of its associated platen E, which in turn is connected by lines I32 and I23 with the solenoid I25 on such platen. The solenoid I25 thus is momen-' tarily energized and acts on the reversing valve I28, which controls the flow of fluid to the cyl inder 4| of the clamp 353. This causes this clamp 35B to move from its inactive or dotted line position to its active or full line position (Fig. 17). This movement of the clamp locks the ball to the platen, and the platen then is ready to proceed to station S The movement or the clamp 353 to its active or ball-engaging This energizes the platen contactor I85, which at station 8; engages a stationary contact II8 which is connected by a line 288 (Figs. 1'1 and 16) with the stationary contactor H3 at station S The contactor II3 coacts with the contactor I88 of the platen at station S which is connected by lines I 33 and I28 withthe right hand solenoid I26.

This solenoid I25, above-mentioned, controls the operation of the clamp 35A of the platen in position at station 8, and causes the reversal of the flow of fluid to the cylinder II, and the movement of the clamp 35A from the full line position shown at station s m Fig. 16 to the dotted line position therein shown. The clamp 35A then engages the right hand switch I48, and through lines I42 momentarily energizes the contactor I85 of the platen E at station S At this time the contactor I85 coacts with the stationary contact II8, which at station S is connected by lines 281 and I68 with the solenoid I54, which operates the reversing switch for the motor M. This causes the switch to move from the inactive position shown ,in Fig. 16 to an active position and initiates the action of the motor, releases the motor brake I49, and moves any of the latch members 29, which may be in engagement with the latching recesses 38 of their respective platens, out of engagement therewith. As shown in Fig. 17, the motor contactor I41 is connected with the solenoids I13 of each of the latch members 29 by the lines I5I, and HI and I12. Accordingly, the spider I4 moves to advance the platens so that a, different platen will be brought into the intermediate position S, and, as soon as the various operations performed at this station have been completed, the motor is again rendered active and the spider I4 moved again to index the platens.

From station 8* a platen is moved to station S at which station the seams of the ball are ironed to eliminate all wrinkles. When a platen reaches the station S the motor I1 is stopped .by reason of another platen having reached the station S as heretofore described. The stopreleasing position, it coacts with a switch I34,

causing the contactor I81 of such platen to become momentarily energized. This contactor is in connection with a stationary contactor II2 15 positioned at station S which is connected by a line 2! with one terminal of a solenoid 202, the. other terminal of which is grounded. This solenoid actuates a pawl 283 which coacts with a fluid reversing valve 204, in the manner heretofore described in connection with other fluid reversing valves, thereby causing a reversal of the flow of fluid in the cylinder 85, thereby lowering the ironing ring 83 as heretofore described.

As the ironing ring 83 reaches its lowermost position it engages a switch 208. This switch is connected to the power line I82 by a line 201 andby a line 208 with the solenoid 202 heretofore described. When thepiston' rod 81 of the ironing ring 83 reaches. its lowermost position, the solenoid 202 is energized to reverse again the flow of fluid to the cylinder 85 and raise the ironing ring away from the ball.

When the. ironing ring 83 rises to its norm or inactive position it contacts a switch 2l0 which is connected by lines 2 and I82 with the power line I", and by a line 2i2 with the stationary contact I09 at the station S which coacts with the contactor I04 of the platen at such station. This returns the clamp 353 to its active or ball-clamping position. The platen then is again ready to be moved.

The platen'is moved from station s with the completion of operations at station 5, as heretofore described, and thus comes into the position at station S The platen is stopped at this station, as heretofore described, and, as it which is connected by a line 220 withone terminal of a solenoid Hi the other terminal of which is grounded. The solenoid 22l actuates a pawl 222 which coacts with a ratchet 223, carried by the ejector wheel 90, to cause the ejector wheel to make a partial rotation, and thus eject the ball from the machine. The platen is moved from station 5' at such time as the operations at station 5 have been completed.

If desired an interlocking arrangement may be provided to insure the completion of operations at each station prior to the initiating of the movement of the platen. However, in the embodiment shown, each of the fluid conduits leading to or from the various hydraulic cylinders may be provided with a regulating valve to control the rate of flow of fluid to and from its respective cylinder and thereby control the timing ofthe mechanism so as to insure the completion of all operations at each position prior to the completion of operations at station 8 I have described in detail the switches and circuits and other electrical mechanism illustrated in the diagram, Figs. 16 and 17. It is to be understood, however, that such electric controlling features may be varied considerably from that shown to accomplish the desired resultof coordinating the actions at the various stations to produce a complete automatic operation from thetime the ball and covers are put in place at station S to the discharge of the completed ball at station 8". with my machine, I prefer to use v 16 ing'the covers and ball in position at station 8 the other in charge of removing the covered balls or taking charge 0! them if they are automatically removed. If desired, theoperator in charge of removal may do some of the work of placing the covers or ball.

It will be seen that the machine is entirely automatic, and that it operatesto place each of the figure-eight covers about an expanded region of the ball, so that the covers may be full-size and still be placed without interference with each other. Moreover the rolling action of placing the covers on the ball prevents the entrapping of air under the cover. Following the placing of the covers, the ball ordinarily will be vulcanized in the usual vulcanizing mold having spherical cavities snugly embracing the covers. It is not necessary, however, to have the vulcanizing surface press the ball to the extent heretofore used in ironing out hand applied covers and thus Iam able to preserve the original nap on the covers.

I claim: s v i 1. An apparatus for applying flexible cover members to a ball, said apparatus comprising a platen adapted to support the ball and a pair of covermembers, mechanism to grip the ball and hold it in contact with the first cover member, mechanism to cause a relative rolling action between the ball and first cover member while maintaining contact therebetween and mechanism for thereafter applying the second cover member to the ball.

2. An apparatus for applying a pair of flexible cover members to a ball, one of which is precoated with tacky adhesive, said apparatus comprising a platen adapted to support the cover member in a substantially flat position, two freely rotatable axially aligned devices to grip the ball and hold it in contact with said cover member, and means to advance the platen and cause a relative rolling action between the ball and cover member merely by frictional contact therebetween.

3. An apparatus for applying a flexible cover to a ball, either the cover or the ball being pre-l coated with tacky adhesive, said apparatus comprising a platen adapted to support the cover member in a substantially flat position, means to expand an equatorial zone of the ball, and means to cause a relative rolling action between the ball and cover while maintaining contact between the expanded zone and the cover.

4. An apparatus for applying a flexible cover to'a ball, comprising aiplaten to support a pair of wver members, means to grip the ball at opposed polar regions and retain the ball in contact with one cover member resting on said platen while permitting rotation of the ball about an axis extending through said polar regions, means to move said platen relative to said ball to thereby cause the ball to roll across said cover member, means to hold the ball stationary relative to the platen, and means to apply the second cover member while the ball is so held.

5. An apparatus'for applying a flexible cover member having a coat of tacky adhesive to a ball, comprising a platen to support the cover member in a substantially flat position, means to grip the ball at opposed polar regions and retain the ball in contact with a cover member resting on said platen while permitting free rotation of the ball about an axis extendiiig through, said polar regions, means to move said platen relative to two operators, one primarily in charge of plac- 76 said ball and by frictional contact therewith to asoasae l7 cause the ball to rotate and thus have a rolling action across the cover. whereby the cover member will be caused to adhere to the ball.

6. An apparatus for applying a flexible cover member to a ball, comprising a platen to support the cover member in a substantially flat position, means to expand an equatorial zone of a ball. means to move the expanded region of the ball into contact with the cover, means to cause a relative rolling action between the ball and the platen to roll the expanded zone lengthwise along the cover.

'7. An apparatus for applying a pair of elongated flexible cover members to a ball, comprising a platen having a pair of recesses each adapted to receive a cover member and onev recess extending transversely of the other and beyond one end thereof, means to grip a ball and hold it in contact with a cover member in the first recess, means to cause a relative rolling movement between the gripping means andthe platen in the direction along the first cover member and come to rest on a mid-point of the second cover member, and means acting thereafter to press the second cover member into contact with the ball.

8. An apparatus for applying a pair of elongated flexible cover members to a ball, comprising a platen having a pair of elongated recesses each adapted to receive a cover member and one recess extending at an angle to the other recess and adjacent one end thereof in the manner of a letter T, means to grip a ball and hold it in contact with the platen at the base of the T, means to cause a relative rolling movement between the gripping means and the platen in a direction along the leg of the T to thereby cause the ball to roll across the cover forming the leg of the T, means to stop the rolling action with the ball at rest on a mid-point of the cover forming the head of the T, and means acting thereafter'to press the cover forming the head of the T into contact with the ball.

9. An apparatus for applying an elongated flexible cover member to a ball, comprising a platen having a recess adapted to receive a cover member said recess being concave in a direction transverse of the cover, means to grip a ball with sufiicient force to force the ball into contact with the platen, means to cause a relative rolling movement between the gripping means and the platen in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cover to thereby cause the ball to roll across the cover.

10. An apparatus for applying a pair of elongated cover members to a ball,comprising means to support a pair of cover members, means to roll a ball across one of said cover members, and means acting thereafter to roll the other cover member onto the ball.

11. An apparatus for applying a pair of elongated cover members to a ball, comprising means to support a pair of cover members in the position of a letter T, means to roll a ball across the cover member forming the shank of the T and bring it to rest at the center of the cover member forming the head of the T, and means acting thereafter to roll the latter member onto the ball.

12. An apparatus for applying a pair of elongated cover members to a ball, comprising means to support a pair of cover members, means to roll a ball across one of said cover members, means acting thereafter to roll the ball onto the 18 second cover member, and means to wrap the second cover member above the ball.

13. In an apparatus for applying a pair of elongated ilgure l-shaped cover members to a ball. means to support said cover members, means to grip a ball, means to cause the gripped ball to roll across one cover member and onto the second cover member to apply said first named cover member to the ball, means to cause said gripping means to release said ball, a second grippi g means to grip the ball in the region of said applied cover, and means to apply the second cover member to the gripped ball.

14. In an apparatus for applying a pair of elongated figure l-shaped cement coated cover members to a ball, means to support said cover members, means to grip a ball, means to cause the gripped ball to roll across one cover member and onto the second cover member to apply said first named cover member to the ball, means to cause said gripping means to release said ball, a second gripping means to grip the ball in the region of said applied cover, means to apply the second cover member to the gripped ball, and means to eject the covered ball from the apparatus.

15. In an apparatus to apply a cover member to a resilient ball, a siipport adapted to support a flexible cover member, a pair of pivoted clamp- -ing members disposed above said support, each clamping member having a rotatable ball-engaging member thereon, means to swing said clamping members into engagement with the ball, a guideway for said support, and means to move the support along the guideway to cause a rolling action between the ball and said cover member.

18. In an apparatus to apply a tacky adhesive coated cover member to a resilient ball, a support adapted to support a flexible cover member in a substantially flat position and having a pair of recesses extending therethrough and covered by said cover member, a pair of clamping members disposed above said support each clamping member having a ball engaging member thereon, means to swing said clamping members into engagement with the ball, and means positioned below the support and adapted to be projected through said recesses to wrap said cover member about said ball.

1'7. In an apparatus for applying a cover member to a resilient ball. means adapted and arranged to engage opposite polar regions of the ball to compress the ball with suiflcient force to expand an equatorial zone of the ball intermediate the polar regions, and means to apply a cover to said equatorial zone while so expanded.

18. In an apparatus for applying a tacky adhesive coated cover to a resilient ball, means adapted and arranged to engage opposite polar regions of the ball to compress the ball with sufllcient force to expand an equatorial zone of the ball intermediate the polar regions. and

means to apply a cover to the expanded region of the ball, and means acting thereafter to release the compression means.

19. In an apparatus for applying a pair of cover members to a resilient ball, means adapted and arranged to engage opposite polar regions of the ball to compress the ball with sumcient force to expand an equatorial 'zone of the ball intermediate the polar regions, means to apply a cover member to the ball while so expanded,

means acting thereafter to release the compression means. means to engage polar regions of the 19 ball to expand an equatorial zone of the ball at right angles to the first named zone, and means to apply the second cover member to the last named equatorial zone of the ball.

20. In an apparatus for applying covers to a ball, a movable platen adapted to receive a ball and a cover member, a circuitous guide for said platen, means to progress the platen along said guide, and means to grip a ball positioned on a platen and hold it for rotation about an axis parallel with the surface of said platen, whereby the movement of the platen will cause a rolling action between the ball and cover to cause the cover to be picked up by the rotating ball.

21. In an apparatus for applying covers to a ball, a plurality of movable platens each adapted to receive a ball and a cover member, a circuitous guide for said platens, means to progress the platens along said guide, means stationarily mounted relative to said guide to grip a ball positioned on a platen and hold it for rotation about a relative stationary axis parallel with the surface of said platen and in contact with a cover member on said platen, and means to progress the platen along the guide to cause a rolling action between the ball and cover whereby the cover will be picked up by the rotating ball.

22. In an apparatus for applying covers to a ball, a circuitous guide, a platen movable along said guide, a plurality of stations located around said guide, means to progress the platen from one station to another said platen being arranged and adapted to receive a ball and a pair of cover members, means at one of said stations for gripping the ball in a manner to permit its rotation about an axis transverse of the direction of platen movement, whereby movement of the platen along said guideway will cause a rolling contact between the ball and one of said cover members to cause said cover member to adhere to the ball, and means at another of said stations to apply the second cover member to the ball.

23. In an apparatus for applying covers to a ball, a circuitous guide, a plurality of platens movable along said guide, a plurality of stations located around said guide, means to intermittently progress the platens from one station to another, each of said platens having means arranged and adapted to receive a ball and a pair of cover members, means at one of said stations for gripping the ball and permitting rotation of the ball about an axis substantially parallel with the plane of movement of the platens and substantially at right angles to such movement, whereby movement oi the platen along said guidewav will cause actual rolling contact between the ball and one oi said cover members to cause said cover member to adhere to the ball, and means at another of said stations to apply the second cover member to the ball.

24. In a ball covering apparatus, a frame, a platen movably mounted on said frame, a plurality of work stations on said frame, said platen including means to clamp a ball thereto and means to position a flexible cover member,

means controlled by the movement of the platen from one station to another to actuate said clamp, whereby the ball may be retained on said platen during the movement thereof, and means to intermittently progress the platen from one station to another.

25. In a ball covering apparatus, a frame, a plurality oi platens movably mounted on said frame, a plurality of work stations on said frame, each of said platens including means to clamp a ball thereto, and a recess adapted to receive a flexible cover member, and means controlled by the movement of the platen from one station to another to actuate said clamp, whereby the ball may be retained on said platens during the movement thereof, and means to progress the platens from one station to another.

26. In a ball covering apparatus, a frame having aplurality of spaced work stations, 9. plurality of movable platens mounted on said frame, each platen being arranged and adapted to receive a ball and a pair of cover members, means at one of said stations to grip a ball for rotation about an axis substantially parallel with the plane of movement of said platens and at right angles to the direction of such movement, means to intermittently advance the platen from one station to another, said gripping means being active to retain the ball gripped until it has rolled across one of said cover members into position on the other cover member, means acting thereafter to release said gripping means, and means positioned at another station for applying the other cover member to the ball.

27. A ball covering apparatus, a frame, a platen movably mounted on said frame, said frame having a plurality of work stations, means to progress the platen from one station to another, means to apply one cover member to the ball while the platen is moving between said stations, and means at another station to apply the second cover to the ball while the platen is stationary.

28. In an apparatus for applying flexible cover members to a resilient ball, a movable platen adapted to carry a ball and a cover member, means to grip a ball carried by a platenand hold the ball against movement, and a pair of rollers operable to wrap a cover member carried by the platen about said ball.

29. In an apparatus for applying flexible cover members to a resilient ball, a frame having a plurality of stations thereon, a plurality of movable platen members mounted on said frame for movement from one station to another in a manner to present them to each station in succession, means at one of said stations to grip a ball carried by a platen and hold the same against movement, and a pair of rollers operable to wrap a. cover member carried by the platen about said ball.

30. In an apparatus for applying a pair of cover members to a ball, a frame having a plurality of work stations, a movable platen arranged to receive a ball and a pair of cover members at right angles to each other, means to apply one of said cover members to the ball as the platen advances from one station to another, means at a subsequent station to apply the second cover to the ball, and means at a subsequent station to iron the seams of the ball.

31. In an apparatus for applying a pair of cover members to a ball, a frame, a plurality of work stations on said frame arranged in a circuit, a plurality of movable platens arranged to receive a ball and a pair of cover members, means for progressing the platens one after another around said circuit, means to apply one of said about said frame, a plurality of platen members,

means for progressing them one after another about said circuit, each platen member being arranged to receive a ball and a pair of cover members arranged in the position of a letter T, means to apply the cover member forming the shank of the T to the ball as the platen progresses from one station to another, means at a subsequent station to apply the cover member formin the head of the T to the bail, means positioned at a subsequent station to iron the seams of the ball, and means at a subsequent station to discharge the ball from the platen.

33. In an apparatus for applying a pair of cover members to a ball, a frame having a plurality of successively positioned work stations, a platen adapted to receive a ball and a pair of cover members, means to progress the platen from one station to another, means to grip the ball for rotation about an axis transverse to the movement of the platen while the ball is in contact with a cover member on a platen, whereby said cover member will be applied to the ball by rolling action consequent upon movement of the cover toward the next station, means acting following the rolling of the ball on said cover member to roll the second cover member into contact with the ball, an open-ended mold having an annular equatorial cavity greater in diameter than the ball at a subsequent station, means to move said mold into an encircling position relative to the ball carried by a platen, and means to expand the ball into contact with the mold cavity to iron the seams of the previously applied covers.

- 34. In an apparatus for applying a pair of cover members to a ball, a frame having a plurality of successively positioned work stations, a plurality or platens movably mounted on said frame, each of said platens being arranged and adapted to receive a ball and a pair of cover members, means to progress the platens from one station to another in sequence, a hydraulic mechanism positioned at one of said stations to grip the ball 'for rotation about an axis parallel with and substantially at right angles to the movement of the platen to retain the ball for rotation about a fixed axis in contact with a cover member on a platen, whereby said cover member will be applied to the ball by rolling action consequent upon movement of the cover toward the next station.

means acting following the rolling 01 said cover on the ball to release said hydraulic mechanism, hydraulically operated means at another station for subsequently gripping the ball and holding the same against the platen and against movement relative thereto, hydraulically operated means at said station to roll the second cover member into contact with the ball, an open-,

ended mold having an annular equatorial cavity greater in diameter than the ball at a subsequent- 22 by said last mentioned hydraulic means to expand the ball into contact with themold cavity to iron the seams of the previously applied covers.

35. In an apparatus for applying covers to a ball, a frame, a plurality of platens mounted for circuitous movement on said frame, a plurality of work stations positioned on said frame, means at respective stations to perform operations for applying a cover to a ball, each platen being arranged to receive a ball and a pair of covers, a pair of ball clamping means on each platen, each clamp being arranged to clamp a ball to the platen to retain the same in accurate position thereon, means to actuate said clamps, and interengaging means carried by the platen and the frame for releasing said clamps when a platen reaches any of said stations, and means for moving one of said clamps into engagement with the bail to clamp the same to the platen prior to movement of the platen away from each station,

36. In an apparatus for applying a pair of fig-- ure 8-shaped flexible cover members to a tennis ball, a frame, a vertically extending shaft rotatably mounted in the frame, a plurality or radially extending arms carried by said shaft, I a carriage mounted for radial movement on each arm, a platen mounted on each carriage for rotation about a vertical axis, a stationary continuous guide encircling the ends of said arms. means on each of said platens to engage said guide to control the position of each platen relative to its axis and to,control the radial movement of the carriage on the arms, resilient means acting on said carriage to maintain said rollers in contact with said guide, each platen being arranged and adapted to receive a ball and a cover member, means to intermittently move said shaft through a portion of a rotation, means carried by said frame and arranged and adapted to grip a ball and hold "it in contact with a platen while permitting the ball to rotate about a horizontal axis, said guide having a substantially straight portion located to guide the platen in a straight line while the ball is gripped by said gripping mechanism, said line being substantially normal to the axis of rotation of the ball whereby movement or the platen along the straight portion of the guide will result in the rolling of the ball across said cover member.

ROBERT ELDON ROBERTS.

REFERENCES crrnn The following references are of record in the ille 01' this patent;

UNITED STATES PATENTS Humphrey Oct. 20, 1942 

